WORSHIP AT ST. MARKS, 11:00 A.M.
The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Ministers: The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
December 31st, 2018-New Year’s Eve-A New Covenant with God
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Let us pause to remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoples—predominantly the lands of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy.May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.
Covenant Symbols on the Table Symbols of Nan’s covenant here
Walking Stick- celebrating God’s presence in a ministry of accompaniment on the journey.
Teapot-celebrating God’s presence in a ministry of compassion, presence and pastoral care.
Spiral Shell-celebrating God’s presence in a ministry as advocate of creative transformation.
Children’s Bible-celebrating God’s presence by sharing the biblical story.
Towel and basin-celebrating God’s presence in a ministry of service to others.
*Introit Entrance of the Light Advent and Christ candles are lit
Light and peace in Jesus Christ!
Thanks be to God!
" ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
Alleluia!!
Call to Worship
One: What a year this has been!
All: So many things have happened. Some of them have been wonderful; others very sad.
One: In all of this God has been with us, guiding, healing, comforting, and rejoicing.
All: Thanks be to God for God's continual presence with us.
One: Now we are on the threshold to a new tomorrow.
All: We don't know what it will hold for us.
One: In all of what is to come, we know God will be with us.
All: Guiding, healing, comforting, and rejoicing with us.
Thank you, God, for your steadfast love and presence. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Spirit of life, we offer thanks and praise to you for the ways we have experienced your presence. For the connection of hearts and minds with the needs and skills of these people; for the willingness of the community of faith to commit to finding the right person to minister among us, and for the sense of call and courage that brought us together. We pray for your presence to be felt as we come together this day; a people surrounded by abundance and hope. May your Spirit continue to guide us. Amen.
From the Celebration of a New Ministry on the St. Mark’s Pastoral Charge, October 16, 2011 (With recognition of its ongoing relationship with St. David’s Pastoral Charge)
Prayer for Wholeness
Lord, you have asked us to feed and give drink to those who hunger, to clothe those who are naked, to welcome the stranger, to visit those who are sick and imprisoned.
When we look back on this year we might be able to say we did some of those things. We remember the enthusiasm with which we started out this waning year, ready to do your work and witness to your love.
But you know how things got in our way. We allowed ourselves to be swallowed up by worries and fear.
We placed comfort of self before service to others. We took the "easy way out" whenever we could. And you wept for us.
Now we are on the brink of the new year. We cannot change what we did not do, but we can make a covenant with you to be your witnesses in our words, thoughts and deeds to your people.
So that when you say, "Have you given food and drink to those who hunger and thirst, have you clothed the naked, welcomed the stranger, visited the sick and imprisoned?" We can respond with a joyful "Yes! We have done these things with joy and love!" Forgive us what we have not done. Inspire us to do what you would have us do. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Affirmation of Love
God is making all things new. The past is over and done.
It taught us many lessons. But God is the God of the future, new opportunities, new hopes, new dreams, renewed vision.
God dwells with us to be our God.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Isaiah 58:6-11 Is not this the fast that I choose?Psalm 107 O give thanks to God for steadfast love. Pt. 1, VU 831
* Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness VU 288
Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 25:34-40 Truly I tell you…you did it to me.
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Morning Has Broken VU 409Prayers of the People-A New Covenant
Conclusion of prayer: Let the light of your love shine on us, that we may feel and know your powerful presence with us.
All: Let the light of your love shine in us, that we may be encouraged to use our gifts and talents to serve others. Let the light of your love shine through us, that others may come to know you. In this time of new beginnings, new hopes arise. Give us courage to reach out for the dreams and hopes; give us confidence that we can accomplish much for you.
The Lord’s Prayer
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn How Great Thou Art VU 238New Year’s Eve Litany Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
L: It is dark.
P: It is dark. We cannot see very far.
L: Do not fear. God alone can see what lies ahead.
P: We have suffered much, loved much, lost much.
L: Do not fear. God knows your hearts and fears.
P: We have dreamed and watched as dreams have floated away, unfulfilled.
L: Do not fear. God is with you.
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
L Do not let fear and darkness overcome you. God has given the Light for your path.
P: The silence sometimes overwhelms us. The past still shouts loudly at us.
L: Do not fear. God is with you.
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
L: Give your hearts and spirits to the Lord!
P: Lord, we give our hearts and spirits to you this night.
L: Let go of your fears. Place your trust in the Lord.
P: Lord, we give our fears to you. Heal us, Lord.
Sung Response: Don’t Be Afraid MV 90
Gathering Around the Table to Receive the Light of Hope
One: The darkness is banished. The Light of God's love is with us. Come, receive the light!
Commissioning and Benediction
Go from this place; not into darkness although the last night of the year approaches. Go into the Light of God's eternal, inspiring Love. Go to be those who bring peace, love, hope and joy. And God will always be with you.
* Choral Amen Nan’s Amen
Amen! Amen! Alleluia! Amen! Amen! Alleluia!
Amen! Amen! Alleluia!
Amen written by Al Fougere as a Response to the Covenant, October 16, 2011
Adapted from a worship service by Nancy C. Townley, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3452/watchnight-new-years-eve
and using elements (symbols, prayers, scripture, music) of a Celebration of a New Ministry on the St. Mark’s Pastoral Charge, October 16, 2011
